How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Mercer County Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Mercer County Correctional Center is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Mercer County Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Mercer County Correctional Center

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Mercer County Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Mercer County Correctional Center?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Mercer County Correctional Center?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Mercer County Correctional Center. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Mercer County Correctional Center. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Mercer County Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Mercer County Correctional Center
   1750 River Rd
   Lambertville, NJ 08530
   Phone: (609) 989-6901

5. What are the visiting hours at Mercer County Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Mercer County Correctional Center vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (609) 989-6901 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Mercer County Correctional Center?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Mercer County Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Mercer County Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Mercer County Correctional Center through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Mercer County Correctional Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Mercer County Correctional Center, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Mercer County Correctional Center?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Mercer County Correctional Center for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Mercer County Correctional Center, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

The Superintendent Labor Assistance Program (SLAP) serves as a cornerstone of community restitution at Mercer County Correction Center, allowing court-ordered inmates to give back through meaningful service projects. This program, alongside supervised work details for minimum-security inmates involving grounds maintenance, trash collection, and painting at county facilities, demonstrates the facility's commitment to productive rehabilitation. Medical, social services, and mental health support form the foundation of care for the 871-capacity facility's population of sentenced and pretrial individuals.

Educational opportunities are provided to inmates during their incarceration, though specific program details may vary based on availability and security classification. The facility typically may offer basic literacy programs, GED preparation, and life skills training to help prepare individuals for successful reintegration. Law library services ensure inmates maintain access to legal resources, supporting their constitutional rights during the judicial process.

Support services often include substance abuse counseling, anger management programs, and vocational training opportunities that align with community needs. The Access Securepak® package program facilitates family connections by allowing loved ones to send approved items while maintaining security protocols. These comprehensive services work together to address the diverse needs of both short-term and longer-term residents, supporting their journey toward positive community reintegration upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at the Mercer County Correction Center in Hopewell Township wake each day within a facility designed to house 871 individuals across minimum, medium, and maximum security classifications. The population includes both sentenced individuals serving terms of 364 days or less and those awaiting trial, creating a diverse community where daily routines may vary based on security level and court status. Those classified as minimum security often begin their days preparing for supervised work details that may include grounds maintenance, trash collection, or painting projects throughout county facilities.

The facility typically structures days around scheduled meals, medical appointments, and educational programming opportunities. Inmates have access to medical services, mental health support, and social services as part of their daily experience. Educational programs are available to help individuals use their time constructively, while some may participate in community service projects through programs like the Superintendent Labor Assistance Program (SLAP) as ordered by the court or assigned by facility administration.

Family connections remain an important part of daily life through the Access Securepak® package program, which allows loved ones to send approved items while maintaining security protocols. The facility also provides library services to support inmates' educational and legal research needs. Communication with family members and legal counsel is typically facilitated through scheduled phone calls and visitation periods, though specific visiting hours and procedures may vary based on security classifications and facility operations.